Laparoscopic management of common bile duct stones: Study of 13 cases

In recent years, laparoscopic surgery for common bile duct (CBD) stones has been gaining wider acceptance. We report our experience with the laparoscopic management of CBD stones in 16 patients (9 males and 7 females; mean age, 62 years; range, 27–81 years). We considered two options for the laparoscopic procedures: (1) transcystic CBD exploration for those patients with fewer than 3 CBD stones, 5 mm or less in diameter, in whom the diameter of the cystic duct exceeded that of the CBD stones and (2) choledochotomy with T-tube drainage for other patients, unless a preoperative percutaneous transhepatic cholangio-drainage (PTCD) tube had been inserted. We successfully removed CBD stones by laparoscopic management in 13 of the 16 patients. The procedures employed were laparoscopic choledocholithotomy in 10 patients and laparoscopic transcystic CBD exploration and stone extraction in 3 patients. We converted to open choledochotomy in 3 patients, because of severe inflammation and dense adhesions due to acute cholecystitis in 2 patients and because of wide adhesions due to previous surgery in 1. We conclude that laparoscopic procedure is a safe and effective method for the removal of CBD stones.     

Laparoscopic management of common bile duct stones: transcystic approach and choledochotomy

The purpose of this study was to review our experience with laparoscopic common bile duct (CBD) exploration by the transcystic approach and choledochotomy. We selected the transcystic approach for patients whose CBD stones were less than five in number and smaller than 9 mm in diameter, and whose CBD was less than 15 mm in diameter on cholangiograms. Among 217 patients with CBD stones treated laparoscopically, the transcystic approach was performed successfully in 91 of 104 patients in whom it was attempted (87.5%). The other 126 patients underwent laparoscopic choledochotomy, followed by ductal closure with transcystic drainage in 59, T-tube drainage in 46, primary ductal closure in 19, and choledochoduodenostomy in 1. Choledochotomy was converted to open surgery in only 1 patient. The transcystic approach was associated with shorter hospital stay and less morbidity than choledochotomy. However, choledochotomy also had an acceptably low rate of complications. Bile leaks occurred more frequently in those with primary ductal closure than in those with transcystic drainage or T-tube drainage. Residual stones were found in 2 patients with the transcystic approach and in 10 with choledochotomy. The residual stones were removed through the T-tube tract by choledochoscopy in 7 of these 10 patients. From these results we conclude that laparoscopic management of CBD stones is feasible for almost all patients with CBD stones. It is considered to be safe and effective and has the advantage of being a single-stage procedure. Received: July 7, 2000 / Accepted: October 26, 2000     

An angulated common bile duct predisposes to recurrent symptomatic bile duct stones after endoscopic stone extraction

Background Endoscopic sphincterotomy and stone extraction are standard procedures for the removal of bile duct stones. Stone recurrence can, however, occur in up to 25% of cases. Risk factors have been poorly defined, but are believed to be related to bile stasis. This study investigated whether an angulated common bile duct (CBD) that may predispose to bile stasis influences symptomatic stone recurrence after successful endoscopic therapy. Methods This study included 232 consecutive patients (mean age, 64.1 years; 86 men) who had undergone therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for bile duct stones. Data from the follow-up period (36 ± 17 months) were obtained from medical records and patient questioning. Common bile duct angulation and diameter were measured from the cholangiogram after stone removal. Results Symptomatic bile duct stones recurred in 16% of the patients (36/232). Three independent risk factors were identified by multivariate analysis: an angulated CBD (angle, ≤145°; relative risk [RR], 5.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.2–12.5; p = 0.0002), a dilated CBD (diameter, ≥13 mm; RR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.2–5.7; p = 0.017), and a previous open cholecystectomy (RR, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.3–5.9; p = 0.0117). Gender, age, urgency of procedure, or a periampullary diverticulum did not influence the recurrence rate. Conclusions Angulation of the CBD (≤145°) on endoscopic cholangiography, a dilated CBD, and a previous open cholecystectomy are independent risk factors for symptomatic recurrence of bile duct stones. The findings support the role of bile stasis in stone recurrence. Further studies using these data prospectively to identify high-risk patients are warranted. Part of this work was presented at the Digestive Disease Week in New Orleans, 16–20 May 2004, and published in abstract form in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy 2004;59: AB197     

Transcystic common bile duct exploration in the management of patients with choledocholithiasis

Common bile duct stones are found in approximately 16% of patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. If the diagnosis of choledocholithiasis is made at the preoperative workup, it is common practice to refer the patient for endoscopic retrograde cholangiography and endoscopic sphincterotomy. However, if the diagnosis is established during intraoperative cholangiography, the surgeon is confronted with a therapeutic dilemma-that is, the choice between laparoscopic common bile duct exploration, conversion to open surgery, or postoperative endoscopic sphincterotomy. We have opted to treat patients with choledocholithiasis in only one session during the laparoscopic cholecystectomy; we use the transcystic common bile duct exploration technique employing the choledochoscope. We report our early experience in terms of success of stone removal, operative time, morbidity and mortality, and length of hospital stay. From 1992 to 2002, we performed 350 laparoscopic cholecystectomies. Selective cholangiography was used in 105 patients (30%); 40 of them were found to have common bile duct stones, for an incidence of 11.4%. Among this group, we performed laparoscopic transcystic common bile duct exploration in all but six patients. Our success rate for stone removal was 94.1% (32 of 34 patients), with only two failures related to multiple stones and impaction at the ampulla, for a conversion rate of 5.8%. The mean operative time was 120 ± 40 minutes. The morbidity rate was 8.8%, and there were no deaths. Length of hospital stay was 24 to 48 hours. Mean recovery time was 7 days, and time to return to work was 15±3 days. We concluded that most of the patients with common bile duct stones found during laparoscopic cholecystectomy could be treated successfully by means of the transcystic technique with choledochoscopy, with no increase in morbidity or mortality and a shortened hospital stay and recovery time, similar to patients who undergo only laparoscopic cholecystectomy. On the basis of our results, we recommend that this method become the primary strategy in the great majority of patients with common bile duct stones found during intraoperative cholangiography. Presented at the Forty-Third Annual Meeting of The Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, San Francisco, California, May 19–22, 2002 (poster presentation).     

腹腔镜经胆囊管胆道探查取石术32例报告

目的 探讨基层医院采用常规5 mm胆道镜开展腹腔镜经胆囊管胆道探查取石术（LTCBDE）治疗胆总管结石的可行性及临床经验。 方法 回顾性分析宁夏医科大学附属吴忠市人民医院 2015 年 6 月 至2016 年4 月实施LTCBDE治疗胆囊结石合并胆总管结石的32例病人临床资料及其疗效。32例病人术前均通过B超、CT和（或）MRCP检查证实胆囊结石合并胆总管结石。结果 32例病人胆总管直径8～15 mm;CT或MRCP显示胆囊管直径≥3 mm;胆总管内结石直径3～8 mm,结石数目1～3枚。成功完成LTCBDE手术30例,未成功2例。成功率93.8%。手术时间（96.2±32.5）min,术后住院时间（3.5±2.1）d, 2例（6.3%）术后发生胆漏。有8例病人术中因结石较大,应用汇入部微切开技术完成取石。院外随访10～22个月,未发现胆道狭窄及结石残留与复发。结论 严格把握手术适应证,熟练掌握手术技巧后,在基层医院采用常规5 mm胆道镜开展LTCBDE治疗胆囊结石并胆总管结石是可行的,值得推广。     

腹腔镜联合胆道镜经胆囊管钬激光碎石术治疗胆总管结石

目的探讨腹腔镜联合胆道镜经胆囊管钬激光碎石术治疗胆总管下段嵌顿结石的价值及安全性。方法选取温州医科大学附属第二医院2014年7月1日至2016年6月30日收治的25例胆囊结石合并胆总管下段嵌顿结石的患者,施行经胆囊管钬激光碎石术治疗。钬激光输出功率1.0~2.0 J,脉冲频率5~10 Hz,在直视下接触结石,将结石击碎后通过取石网篮套取出结石。结果 25例行经胆囊管钬激光碎石术治疗后胆总管下段嵌顿结石均能取石成功,结石1次取净,圈套器结扎胆囊管根部,未行T管引流。手术时间(139.30±30.10)min;术中出血量(83.60±40.10)mL,术后住院时间(4.20±0.65)d。随访6~24个月,无胆道狭窄,无胆漏等发生,结石复发率4%(1/25)。结论对于胆囊管4 mm、继发性胆总管结石患者来说,腹腔镜联合胆道镜经胆囊管钬激光碎石术是一种有效、安全的治疗方法。     

Laparoscopic management of common bile duct stones

We reviewed our experience with the management of common bile duct (CBD) stones in 100 consecutive patients treated laparoscopicaly during the past 9 years (1990–1998) and evaluated the advantages, disadvantages, and feasibility of the treatment, to elucidate reasonable therapeutic strategies for patients harboring CBD stones. We conclude that the most rational management of CBD stones is that which is decided according to the size of the CBD, which, in turn, depends on the size, number, and location of stones. The cystic duct in patients with a non-dilated CBD is narrow, because the size of the CBD depends on the size and number of stones that have migrated through the narrow cystic duct, and the stones in the non-dilated CBD are therefore usually small in size and number. Patients with a dilated CBD, however, are good candidates to undergo single-stage laparoscopic treatment. In our Department, therefore, even if complete removal of stones has failed in patients with non-dilated CBD, further choledochotomy is not carried out, and a C-tube is placed through the cystic duct for a subsequent postoperative transduodenal approach, because laparoscopic transcystic CBD exploration and choledochotomy may not be always feasible in those patients with non-dilated CBD, and spontaneous migration of small stones into the duodenum is frequently noted. In fact, some stones demonstrated on intraoperative cholangiograms were not revealed by postoperative cholangiography. In contrast, retained stones detected postoperatively were successfully removed by postoperative endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST), the endoscopic papillary balloon dilatation technique (EPBDT), or postoperative cholangioscopy (POCS) without any injury to the sphinter of Oddi. With this approach, we believe that the causes of stone recurrence can be avoided in the majority of cases. Received for publication on Aug. 21, 1999; accepted on Sept. 2, 1999     

Selective Intraoperative Cholangiography and Single-Stage Management of Common Bile Duct Stone in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Background There are still debates and controversies in the detection and the management of common bile duct (CBD) stones in the era of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). This prospective study was performed to evaluate a single-stage management of CBD stone during LC. Methods Between May 1998 and January 2000, 249 consecutive patients with gallstone and cholecystitis were enrolled in this study. The mean age was 52.5 ± 12.4 years. Male to female ratio was 106:143. All patients underwent abdominal sonography and the determination of the serum biochemical profile preoperatively. Patients presented with sepsis or with total bilirubin ≥ 6 ng/dL were excluded from the study. Results 244 (98%) patients underwent LC and 5 (2%) patients were converted to open cholecystectomy. Intraoperative cholangiogram (IOC) was only performed in patients who fulfilled our predetermined criteria. Among 90 patients who had IOC, only 23 patients had CBD stones that were removed either by transcystic duct stone extraction (61%) or CBD exploration (39%). The additional procedures to remove CBD stone did not prolong the hospitalization. There were four wound infections and one cystic stump leakage. One patient developed CBD stone during the follow-up period up to 37 months. Conclusions Our study indicates that routine use of IOC during LC is not necessary. In addition, single-stage approach for the management of CBD stone during LC is feasible and should be considered by laparoscopic surgeons.     

Role of laparoscopic common bile duct exploration in the management of choledocholithiasis

Surgical fraternity has not yet arrived at any consensus for adequate treatment of choledocholithiasis. Sequential treatment in the form of pre-operative endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography followed by laparoscopic cholecystectomy(LC) is considered as optimal treatment till date. With refinements in technique and expertise in field of minimal access surgery, many centres in the world have started offering one stage management of choledocholithiasis by LC with laparoscopic common bile duct exploration(LCBDE). Various modalities have been tried for entering into concurrent common bile duct(CBD) [transcystic(TC) vs transcholedochal(TD)], for confirming stone clearance(intraoperative cholangiogram vs choledochoscopy), and for closure of choledochotomy(T-tube vs biliary stent vs primary closure) during LCBDE. Both TC and TD approaches are safe and effective. TD stone extraction is involved with an increased risk of bile leaks and requires more expertise in intra-corporeal suturing and choledochoscopy. Choice depends on number of stones, size of stone, diameter of cystic duct and CBD. This review article was undertaken to evaluate the role of LCBDE for the management of choledocholithiasis.     

腹腔镜下经胆囊管造影网篮胆总管结石取出术

目的探讨腹腔镜胆囊切除时经胆囊管取出胆总管结石的可行性. 方法回顾性分析2003年1月～2004年7月经胆囊管胆道造影18例的临床资料.腹腔镜下切除胆囊之前切开胆囊管,插入造影管行胆道造影,发现胆总管结石后,经胆囊管插入金属网篮,取出胆总管结石. 结果经胆囊管行胆总管造影18例,发现胆总管结石11例,其中2例因结石明显大于胆囊管直径,2例因导管无法经胆囊管进入胆总管,1例因结石嵌顿于壶腹部套篮无法套取结石而放弃腹腔镜下经胆囊管胆总管结石取出,余6例成功完成腹腔镜下经胆囊管胆总管结石取出术.6例随访6～18个月,B超检查未发现胆总管结石残留,无胆总管狭窄或扩张. 结论腹腔镜下经胆囊管胆总管结石取出术可作为部分继发性胆总管结石的术中诊断和治疗手段.     

经胆囊管腹腔镜胆道探查术治疗胆总管结石的临床研究

目的:比较分析腹腔镜下经胆囊管和经胆总管切开T管引流两种方法胆道镜取石治疗胆囊结石继发胆总管结石的疗效,以评价经胆囊管腹腔镜胆道探查术治疗胆总管结石的临床价值。方法:2001年3月至2003年3月按胆道探查途径不同将28例胆石症患者分为胆囊管组(n=8)和胆总管切开组(n=20)。患者经B超和术中胆道造影或加内窥镜逆行胆管造影(ERC)确诊。观察两组病例的术后肛门排气时间、腹腔引流时间、术后住院日、住院费用及手术并发症的发生情况,术后对患者进行全程跟踪随访。结果:胆总管切开组肛门排气时间、腹腔引流时间、术后住院日、住院费用明显长于或高于胆囊管组(P>0.05)。胆囊管组发生手术并发症1例(12.5%);胆总管切开组5例(25.0%),其中胆道并发症4例(20.0%),需要再次微创处理2例(10.0%),需再次手术治疗的严重并发症2例(10.0%);手术并发症发生率胆总管切开组明显高于胆囊管组(P<0.05)。随访两组患者均无胆管狭窄、急性胆管炎及急性胰腺炎发生和结石复发。结论:经胆囊管途径的腹腔镜胆道探查术充分体现了微创外科技术的优点,适于胆囊结石继发胆总管结石患者,其疗效优于胆总管切开T管引流途径的腹腔镜胆道探查术。     

腹腔镜下经胆囊管取石及胆囊管内置管(C管)在胆道外科中的应用

目的:对比研究腹腔镜下胆总管切开取石术与腹腔镜下经胆囊管取石术,胆囊管置管(C管)在胆道外科中的应用。方法:回顾调查1995年10月至2004年12月术前经影像学证实为胆总管结石的89例患者。结果:腹腔镜下胆总管切开取石T管引流35例,术后残留结石2例,胆漏4例,放置T管(24±5.6)d。经胆囊管取石C管引流39例,术后残留结石2例,无胆漏,C管放置(8±4.5)d,与T管引流组差异有统计学意义(P<0.001)。结论:腹腔镜下经胆囊管取石是值得推荐的方法。经胆囊管路径,不仅可用胆总管取石后的引流,且可在胆道外科诸方面发挥作用。     

Laparoscopic exploration of common bile duct: A solution to difficult choledocholithiasis

Objective: To evaluate the role of laparoscopic exploration of common bile duct (LECBD) in the management of common bile duct stone, particularly for patients with failed endoscopic extraction and patients younger than 60 years old. Method: Prospective data of laparoscopic exploration of common bile duct during 1995–1999 were analysed. Results: During 1995–1999, 27 laparoscopic exploration of common bile duct (LECBD) were performed in patients with concomitant gallstone and common bile duct stone, in which half of these LECBD were performed after unsuccessful endoscopic retrieval (13 patients). LECBD was also indicated in patients younger than 60 years old (14 patients) because there was a concern about the potential long‐term complications of papillotomy‐like papillary stenosis and ascending cholangitis. One transcystic duct exploration and 26 choledochotomies were performed. Mean operating time was 138.7 min (70–300 min) and additional procedures included 19 laparoscopic ultrasounds (LUS), three laparoscopic intraoperative cholangiograms (LIOC) and two laparoscopic choledochoduodenostomies. Stone clearance rate was 96% with only one exception. Complications were encountered in nine patients (33%) and one patient died of sepsis subsequent to major bile leak (3.7%). Complications included bile leak/stent migration/collection (4), wound infection (3), minor wound bleeding (1) and self‐limiting postoperative intestinal obstruction (1). Conclusion: LECBD has a high success rate of ductal clearance in patients with ‘difficult common bile duct stones’ despite unsuccessful attempts at endoscopic extraction.     

Laparoscopic choledochoscopy with a small-caliber endoscope

Incidental choledocholithiasis has been reported in 4–5% of cases during routine cholangiography. Many surgeons have resisted laparoscopic common bile duct exploration as a time-consuming and technically frustrating procedure, preferring to send the patient for postoperative ERCP. The purpose of this study was to objectively assess the safety, efficacy, and facility of transcystic duct choledochoscopy using a small-caliber choledochoscope with facilitated insertion technique.Twenty-five consecutive patients scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) were studied prospectively. Choledochoscopy was carried out with a simplified introducer system using a 6.9-French choledochoscope. An arbitrary limit of 10 min was established for gaining access to the common bile duct (CBD). Incidental CBD stones were found in two of the 25 procedures (8%) and were cleared laparoscopically. The CBD was successfully entered in 21 of 25 attempts (84%). The average time for the entire procedure was 8.7 min. There were no procedure-related complications.Clinical application of this procedure was reviewed in a personal series of 742 LCs. Transcystic laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCDE) was successful in clearing stones from the CBD 75% of the time and the addition of laparoscopic choledochotomy brought the success of LCDE to 81%. Excluding patients where transcystic LCDE was not attempted, the overall success rate was 91%.Presented at the annual meeting of the Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES), Nashville, TN 18–19 April 1994     

腹腔镜经胆囊管胆道探查取石术36例报告

目的：探讨腹腔镜经胆囊管治疗胆总管结石的疗效。方法我院2006年6月～2013年10月腹腔镜下经胆囊管治疗胆总管结石36例，分离胆囊管至近胆总管处，Hem-o-lok结扎胆囊管近端，横行剪开胆囊管远端1／2～2／3周径，置入胆道镜。结果手术时间45～110 min，平均77 min；术后住院时间3～5 d，平均4．2 d。均无胆漏，无胆道残余结石发生。36例随访2～24个月，平均15个月，无上腹部疼痛症状，无结石复发。结论腹腔镜经胆囊管胆道探查取石术治疗胆总管结石创伤小、恢复快，具有很好的临床应用价值。     

Laparoscopic Transcystic Choledochotomy with Primary Suture for Choledocholith

Methods:Laparoscopic transcystic choledochotomy and extraction of stones with primary suture was performed on 194 patients with gallbladder and CBD stones from October 1, 2009, through April 30, 2012. The cystic duct was left at a diameter of 1 to 1.5 cm after removal of the gallbladder. The duct was longitudinally cut at its ventral side to the confluence with the CBD, and the anterior wall of the CBD was also cut longitudinally. A choledochoscope was then inserted via the enlarged opening, and the stones were extracted from the CBD. Finally, the CBD and cystic duct were closed by continuous mucous layer suture and seromuscular Lembert suture, respectively. The cystic duct was ligated close to the CBD and an abdominal drainage tube was placed.Results:All surgical procedures were successfully performed. The caliber at the confluence between the cystic duct and the CBD was 0.3 to 0.8 cm (SD 0.4 ± 0.1 cm), and the mini-incision of the CBD was 0.1 to 1.1 cm (SD 0.3 ± 0.2 cm). Abdominal drainage lasted 3 to 5 days. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) in 55 patients showed no abnormal change in the CBD diameter. Two patients had bile leakage. Another patient had intermittent abdominal pain and jaundice 5 to 7 days postoperatively, and the retained stones spontaneously passed. The postoperative hospital stay was 6 to 13 days (SD 8 ± 2.1 days). Observation of 176 patients (90%) lasting 1 to 30 months (SD 11 ± 8 months) showed no recurrent stones or stricture of the CBD.Conclusion:The surgical procedure of laparoscopic transcystic choledochotomy and extraction of stones with primary suture is feasible and safe.     

腹腔镜经胆囊管开口取石并内支架引流治疗胆囊结石合并胆总管结石

目的:探讨腹腔镜胆囊切除及经胆囊管开口取石并内支架引流术的可行性及临床疗效。方法:2008年1月至2013年1月为28例胆囊结石合并胆总管结石患者行腹腔镜胆囊切除术(laparoscopic cholecystectomy,LC)及经胆囊管开口胆管探查取石,内支架引流管引流并一期缝合胆管术。总结其适应证、操作技术及临床疗效。结果:28例均成功完成LC及经胆囊管开口取石并内支架引流术。胆管内取出单一结石19例,2~4枚结石9例。手术时间平均(43.6±19.8)min,平均住院(7.9±3.5)d。26例支架自行脱落并顺利排出体外;2例未自行排出的患者,于1个月后经十二指肠镜行胆道支架取出。未发生胆管结石残留、胆管狭窄、胆漏等手术并发症。结论:LC及腹腔镜经胆囊管开口取石并内支架引流术具有手术时间短、术式简单、术后并发症少等特点,在严格掌握适应证、选择合适病例的情况下,此术式安全、有效、可行。     

Common bile duct stones: management strategies in the laparoscopic era

We reviewed our experience with the treatment of common bile duct (CBD) stones in 70 patients by sequential endoscopic-laparoscopic management and single-stage laparoscopic treatment during the past 7 years. The advantages, disadvantages, and feasibility of the two procedures are discussed to elucidate therapeutic strategies for patients harboring gallbladder stones and associated choledocholithiasis. In 44 patients, sequential endoscopic-laparoscopic management was indicatedd, and was successful in 37 of them but, in seven patients endoscopic stone extraction could not be accomplished. Single-stage laparoscopic treatment was attempted in 26 patients. In practice, laparoscopic transcystic common duct exploration or choledochotomy may not always be feasible if the cystic duct or CBD are not dilated; there is a high risk of intraoperative CBD injury in such circumstances. Laparoscopic management was considered to be especially useful for the treatment of numerous, large or difficult stones, because stone removal could be succesfully performed without any injury to the papilla of Vater. This last issue is of particular importance in patients with dilated CBD, because insufficient opening of the ampulla of Vater made by endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) may lead to stasis and reflux-related complications such as cholangitis and recurrent stones. We conclude that the most rational management of CBD stones should be decided according to the size of the CBD, which depends on the size, number, and location of stones. Patients with dilated CBD are indicated to under-go laparoscopic single-stage treatment and combined endoscopic-laparoscopic treatment may be best for patients with non-dilated CBD. (Received Oct. 15, 1997; accepted Oct. 21, 1997)     

经胆囊管行术中胆道镜胆道探查87例分析

目的探讨经胆囊管行术中胆道镜胆道探壹的临床应用价值。方法对1997年9月至2004年12月82例开腹胆囊切除术病人经胆囊管行术中胆道镜胆道探壹术，5例腹腔镜下经胆囊管行胆道镜胆道探查术资料进行回顾性分析。结果病人结石清除率为100％。术后平均住院7．2d。结论在无禁忌证的前提下，无论是开腹还是腹腔镜手术。应首先考虑经胆囊管途径行胆道镜胆道探查取石术。     

Treatment of Common Bile Duct Stones Discovered during Cholecystectomy

Background Several techniques of laparoscopic bile duct exploration and intraoperative endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) have been developed to treat patients with common bile duct (CBD) stones in one session and avoid the complications of ES. With all these options available, very few randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been undertaken. This review analyzes those studies. Methods We searched PubMed. Four RCTs and a Cochran Database Systematic Review were found. Results Two RCTs compared preoperative ES and laparoscopic CBD exploration (E) for known CBD stones. Laparoscopic CBDE had shorter length of hospitalization. Two RCTs compared immediate and delayed treatment and found that length of stay was less with laparoscopic CBDE, but clearance rates and morbidity/mortality were similar. Conclusions Studies suggest that CBD stones discovered at the time of cholecystectomy are best treated during the same operation. The transcystic approach is safest if applicable. Individual surgeons must be aware of their own capabilities and those of the available endoscopists and perform the safest technique. Presented at the Postgraduate Course of the 48th Annual Meeting of the Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, May 20, 2007, Washington D.C., USA.